The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-10-22


means certain. Rev. j. Straub has
preached here with good acceptance.
If they shall be able to secure his SER
vices, there will be little question re-
garding their future success. If he
does not remain with them as pastor,
the Superintendent must, for the pres
ent, continue in charge of the work.
There are several good families con-
nected with this parish, and few very
devoted and reliable Universalists. LIE
Roy is an important point, and efforts
should be made to permanently revive
the church and restore it to the active
and influential position it formerly oc-
cupied.
desire to speak few words in COM
mendation of the work done by the
church in Windsor. They have sus-
tanned regular preaching one-half the
time, and provided for the payment of
the larger part of their debt. The debt
was large and has been heavy burden
upon this people. Some have with
drawn from the support of the church,
and others have, no doubt, refused to
enter because of this debt. A few have
worked hard to keep the church alive,
and have now come forward and assum-
ed the debt of the parish, becoming per-
sonally obligated therefor. The Gen.
eral Convention, being short of funds,
was compelled to refuse our request
for assistance on behalf of this parish.
They are by no means discouraged
but are making the greater exertions to
meet the obligations resting upon them.
This church has been preserved and
carried forward by the earnest and de-
voted labors Of few, who have sus-
tanned the Sunday school and preach
ing service at great personal sacrifice.
They have also contributed promptly
and generously to the General and State
Conventions, and they will, no doubt,
soon enter upon an era of prosperity,
commensurate with their labors on be-
half of the cause. 1t will be happy
day when this people are entirely re-
lieved Of their burden. The church in
Windsor is to be commended for its
loyalty and devotion to the cause of
Universalism.
The parish in Springfield is now With
out pastor, Rev. c. c. Conner having
resigned and removed to Ohio. His re-
moval is a serious loss to Springfield and
to our State. He has been faithful and
efficient pastor. He leaves the parish
well organized, united and prosperous.
The debt imposed by the paving of the
street upon which the church is located,
proves burden upon the parish and
otherwise they are not yet self.sustaining
They must continue to receive aid from
the Convention. To secure such min
lister as will be needed larger salary
must be paid, which will call not only for
more liberal giving by the resident
members of the parish, but an additional
gift from the Convention. The trustees
the parish should secure minister at
once SO that the work may not be retard
ed and the parish suffer decline. Pre-
vision should be made for holding SER
vices every Sunday till pastor may be
| found. For this purpose regular sup
ply should be engaged, as the Conven-
ton cannot afford to have the Superin-
tendent confine his labors to this church
for any length of time. This parish
must be sustained, and should receive
from the Convention ouch assistance as
may in the Judgment Of its trustees be
needed to secure it's permanent existence.
Nov. IA, 1886, an effort was made by
the Committee on Missions to establish
Universalist church in North Chicago.
The Committee animated by true mis-
sionary spirit and full hope, made q
bold advance and secured the lease OF
| church building; advertised the meet
| ings and at once commenced holding re-
ligious services every Sunday at three
clock, P. NJ. The services, conducted by
Revs. Chas. Conklin, J. O. Adams, DR.. Ry
der and others in the vicinity OF Chicago,
we're well attended. These services sup
plemented by course OF lectures upon
the distinctive doctrines of the Univers-
alist church, awakened great interest, re-
sulting in the organization Of parish.
Soon after this church and Sunday
school were orga nized, the running ex-
penses provided for and pastor settled.
The parish have repaired and furnish
ed the church building where they now
meet having secured lease of the same
for five years. This is an important move
and will be of great value to our church.
1t shows what may be done in that large
and growing city, if we only had more OF
the missionary spirit and the money
needed for the establishment OF new
churches. labored with this church 30
short time, that am not familiar with
the details of it's history. The trustees
in their report will give full and needed
| information.
Last year a few services with preach
ing were held in Woodlawn Park. These
services were SO we'll attended and awak-
ened such an interest that it was deemed
best to make an effort with view OF
permanently organizing church in this
beautiful and growing suburb of Chica-